High blood sugar (glucose) levels can injure nerves throughout the body, including the brain. This could lead to an off-centre look that can be alarming.

The Mayo Clinic attested that up to 50 percent of diabetics can experience some type of diabetic neuropathy.

Mononeuropathy refers to specific nerve damage, explained the Mayo Clinic, and it can lead to paralysis on one side of the face.

This medical condition is known as Bell’s palsy. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explored this further.

Also known as idiopathic facial palsy, the temporary facial paralysis results from the dysfunction of cranial nerve VII.

This facial nerve directs the muscle on one side of the face, including the ability to blink and smile.

In most cases, only one side of the face is affected, but it can affect both sides.

Recovery can take up to six months, but some sufferers can experience permanent muscle weakness.

Symptoms of Bell’s palsy

Swelling and inflammation of the cranial nerve VII can lead to drooping of the mouth, drooling, and the inability to close an eyelid.

As the eyelid is unable to shut, this can result in dryness in the eye and excessive tearing in the eye affected.

Being diabetic increases a person’s risk for developing this facial distortion.

Medical assistance is recommended to receive the best possible treatment plan.

The Mayo Clinic has identified four other wanting signs of mononeuropathy.

For instance, people with high blood sugar levels who are suffering from mononeuropathy may have double vision or difficulty focusing.

Another warning sign of this health complication could be aching behind one eye.

Meanwhile, some people may feel numbness or tingling in their hands and fingers, aside from their little finger.

Lastly, people with mononeuropathy could experience a weakness in their hands, which may cause them to drop things.

High blood sugar levels not only injury nerves, it can interfere with the way in which nerves communicate.

Hence the side effects that can occur when diabetic neuropathy takes place.

The best way to prevent (or delay) diabetic neuropathy is to closely manage blood sugar levels.

Glucometers are a great tool to check in with blood sugar levels throughout the day.

If you find your readings are persistently too high, do talk to your medical care team.

Together, you can discuss the best treatment moving forward and lifestyle adjustments that will help lower blood sugar levels.

Diabetic neuropathy is just one health complication that can arise from uncontrolled blood sugar, there are many more.

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